Andy's Man Club to opens first Somerset group to aid men battling anxiety and depression

It is good to talk, it is always good to talk. Without seeming sexist it is a well known fact men in particular sometimes feel it is difficult to talk, especially when it comes to personal matters.

In pubs the chat tends to centre around football or the weather and it can be hard for some men to get beyond that. The charity ANDYSMANCLUB does wonderful work trying to bring men together around the country.

It is a suicide prevention charity aimed at men who might be struggling with anxiety or other worries, or simply want to talk, and the first group in Somerset will be opening in Yeovil next month. Everyone is welcome, it is a safe space for men to come along, have a cup of tea or coffee and biscuit and simply chat with other men.

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Set up in memory of Andrew Roberts, 23, from Halifax in Yorkshire who took his own life in 2016, the charity has grown from strength and now has more than 200 groups around the country.

The results have been phenomenal, with most men who have taken the brave step of walking through the door going on to become helpers or facilitators at group meetings.

Steve Doyle, area lead for the south west, said: “Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 54. ANDYSMANCLUB is a safe place to come along and simply talk, meet new people, one of the best things is you find you are not the only one with struggles.

“I first went to a group meeting in Plymouth in 2022, I was struggling with anxiety and depression, I am now an area lead and ANDYSMANCLUB has completely changed my life, as it has done others,” he said.

The new group will open at Yeovil and Sherborne Samaritans, Morley House on Monday night, December 2 from 7pm-9pm and everyone is welcome.

Steve Doyle said: “We would like to encourage everyone to come along, any man who walks in the door will be given a warm welcome, we have all been in the same boat, it is such a lovely warm space and it changes lives.

“Our slogan is it’s good to talk, just come along and have a chat, you don’t even have to tell people what’s bothering you, just come and have a cup of tea and a chat.”

There is no booking or referral required, it is all free and it is a very friendly environment. They meet every Monday night except bank holidays throughout the year and it is life changing.